Zen Carbon Wheels Xiamen

[toxin]

Some familiar design cues on those hubs, guessing <260g?

[Sander2177]

Some familiar design cues on those hubs, guessing <260g?

Hey Toxin

I think it’s just the H-Works SR270 in different colours will ask.
But your almost there was told 270grams

[toxin]

Those are most certainly not SR-270 and not made by h-works. I'd bet a lot that they come from the same factory as this https://aliexpress.com/item/1005007809725803.html

[Sander2177]

Those are most certainly not SR-270 and not made by h-works. I'd bet a lot that they come from the same factory as this https://aliexpress.com/item/1005007809725803.html

All the hubs look so generic and the sen but you’re right. Had a look at AE and these are coming in at 270grmas in a photo which is what ones told.
Have a look at the new Enve hubs on today’s 4.5SES release. 280g look generic ans well like they could be from China

[Sander2177]

Those are most certainly not SR-270 and not made by h-works. I'd bet a lot that they come from the same factory as this https://aliexpress.com/item/1005007809725803.html

Hi Toxin,

The hubs are from a factory in Guangzhou. They’re not exactly the same as the ones in the link you shared as they are 24hole, but when I did a reverse image search, I found a lot of hubs that look very similar. but cannot find anything 20 hole yet. That said, I haven’t come across an exact match yet, but they could be but machined to give a slightly different look

I’ll continue looking into hub manufacturers in Guangzhou — there are likely quite a few, so tracking down this specific one might be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack.

[joeynailz]

Got an update last week from Zen, my 50/60 set came in at 1121g.

Looks like they arrived at US customs on the 5th. Hoping they show up some time this week...

[Sander2177]

Got an update last week from Zen, my 50/60 set came in at 1121g.

Looks like they arrived at US customs on the 5th. Hoping they show up some time this week...
[/quot

Crazy weight!!
Not seen any post myself for 50/60s in the 1100g range I have seen a set at 1099g but not seen any release info yet plus they wont be as well priced as the Zens
She send any pictures you can post need to stick them up on WW 
My wheels are making there long slow journey  the UK 

[Sander2177]

UPDATE

Just a quick update — the 40mm front / 45mm rear wheelset I ordered from Zen Carbon turned up today!

🛠️ Production time: 20 days
📦 Delivery time: 10 days to the UK

I’ve got to say — I’m super, super impressed.
The build quality looks fantastic look and feel premium the finish is spot-on, and the overall service was excellent from start to finish. Communication was clear, fast, and helpful throughout — Zara at Zen has been absolutely brilliant to deal with.

In the box:
✅ Tubeless rim valves
✅ Four spare spokes
✅ Rim tape (which I was about to order separately — nice surprise!)
✅ And the wheels themselves were really well packaged, with a cling-film style wrap that kept everything secure and protected — similar to what I had when I bought my CRWs.

Firts impressions are excellent considering the excellent value for money
Hopefully they ride as good as they look!

[Sander2177]

,

[Sander2177]

..

[NB87]

After going through this thread I contacted Zara and have been messaging back and forth with her on instagram. She's been super helpful and quick in her response.

55/60 light weight rim with UD Gloss finish
Carbon 3.1mm spokes
SR270 Hub

Expected weight: 1300gr

Price: $785 incl shipping and pre-paid taxes 

wheelset should be coming in 2/3 weeks (Netherlands)

A little leap of faith in regards to the quality (given the lack of references on this company), but the first impression is promising.

[Sebastian]

Looking forward to your riding impressions. I personally feel that - at least for an allround wheelset - there comes a point when it is just too light. Because as great as it might feel when riding uphill, superlight wheelsets have so very little momentum when riding fast for a long time on flat roads, that it feels a bit dragging (for the lack of a better word). Like you need to constantly push them to keep rolling. It might not even show up in the numbers and riding stats. It’s more a feeling. If I know in advance that I’m going to ride predominantly flat terrain, I prefer a heavier wheelset.
But don’t get me wrong: light wheels are a ton of fun!

[Sander2177]

After going through this thread I contacted Zara and have been messaging back and forth with her on instagram. She's been super helpful and quick in her response.

55/60 light weight rim with UD Gloss finish
Carbon 3.1mm spokes
SR270 Hub

Expected weight: 1300gr

Price: $785 incl shipping and pre-paid taxes 

wheelset should be coming in 2/3 weeks (Netherlands)

A little leap of faith in regards to the quality (given the lack of references on this company), but the first impression is promising.

Yeah, I get where you’re coming from — it’s definitely a bit of a leap of faith. Buying wheels right now isn’t easy with so many companies out there. Even on this forum alone, you’ve got brands like Serenade, Carbon Bike Kits, and others all essentially offering the same thing.

For me, it really comes down to finding the right balance between quality, reliability, and service. One of the biggest things when dealing with OEMs is how responsive they are and what their customer service is like. Some are honestly terrible, while others have been great — and that really matters, especially to Western buyers.

So far, my expectations have been met. Sure, I’ve still got to ride the wheels and see how they actually perform — and look, who knows, I might get on them and think they’re noodles! I’m fully aware that could happen, and I’m fine with that risk.

But at the end of the day, most of these sellers are offering very similar setups: H-Works hubs (or similar), carbon spokes, and a U-shaped carbon rim — whether it’s 24, 25, or 26mm wide. It’s all variations of the same formula.

So I’m not expecting these wheels to perform worse than anything else I’ve ridden. Time will tell, but so far, so good

[NB87]

..

@Sander, have you mounted some tires on them yet?
I'm not sure which width to go for. I want to go as big as possible, while staying within the external width. 
 

[Sander2177]

@Sander, have you mounted some tires on them yet?
I'm not sure which width to go for. I want to go as big as possible, while staying within the external width.

Hey NB87,

Not yet — I’m not sure I’ll get a chance this week as I still need to tape the wheels and pick up some brake discs.

I’m running 28mm Maxxis High Road SLs. My current XM Carbon Speed wheels are 50/60mm deep with a 24mm internal width (and similar external), and those tyres measure 30.7mm when mounted.

The internal width on the XM wheels is 24.46mm (F) and 24.25mm (R), while the Zens measure 24.73mm (F) and 25.11mm (R). So I’m expecting the tyres to come out about the same, maybe slightly wider.

Personally, I think a 30mm tyre is about the max I’d go for on these rims — 32mm would I think start to give that “lightbulb” shape.

Also worth noting: not all tyre brands are true to their labelled width. Some run narrower or wider than stated. If you’re unsure, I’d suggest buying 28, 30, and 32mm in your preferred brand, mounting them up, measuring, and keeping the one you’re happy with. Just return the rest.